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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Putting established international sides like Poland and Czech Republic to the sword in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying might go to some teams' heads, but that has certainly not been the case with Slovakia, who beat both nations to an automatic place at South Africa 2010 in European Zone qualifying Group 3. Indeed, the nation of around 5.5 million inhabitants is remaining decidedly modest ahead of football's showpiece event in just a few months' time.

"Of course the World Cup is going to be the highlight of my career," admitted Slovakia's record caps holder Miroslav Karhan in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, although the Mainz stalwart maintained an air of caution about his side's chances in South Africa. "There are a lot of people back home who are really enthusiastic about seeing us take on the best in the world, but there are also a lot of people who are very sceptical about our chances."

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo has emphasised the importance of hitting the ground running at next summer's FIFA World Cup™ after Portugal were handed one of the toughest possible draws for the group stages.

Portugal, who reached the finals courtesy of a play-off win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, must battle against Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire and Korea DPR for a place in the last 16 of the competition. Five-time winners Brazil are the favourites for the tournament while African powerhouses Côte d'Ivoire boast players of the calibre of Didier Drogba, Yaya and Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Salomon Kalou.

And it is Portugal's clash with the Ivorians that Ronaldo believes could be crucial, with the two nations starting their Group G against each other in Port Elizabeth. "Winning the first match will be very important," said Ronaldo, who could come up against Real Madrid team-mates Kaka and Marcelo as well as former Manchester United companion Anderson in the Brazil side.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

England coach Fabio Capello insists he will leave half-fit players out of his 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad, even if his policy affects the likes of Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand. Capello has no concerns over Ferdinand's recent errors, but the 31-year-old's injury record at the start of the current campaign would put his ticket to the tournament in South Africa under threat if replicated at the end of the season.

Ferdinand had to wait until the end of October to play three consecutive United matches, straight after an international qualification double-header, but that run ended with him missing matches against Barnsley, Blackburn Rovers and CSKA Moscow. He will miss the Barclays Premier League match against Chelsea this weekend with a calf injury that could be related to a lower back complaint.

Capello's predecessors have made the mistake of taking semi-fit players to tournaments, but the Italian said: "The players with us in South Africa will be all fit. It's impossible to wait for one player. Little things are okay, but bigger problems and they will not be there.

"If you have to recover someone, it's no good. When we go, it will not be the warm season, when it is easier to recover. It will be cold in South Africa."